Frequently Asked Chemical Oceanography Questions
(Don't forget to ask yourself if you believe these answers! A lot of "facts" in science are more controversial than you might think...)
General
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Atmospheric
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Biological
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Chemical
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Geological
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Physical
Why are the oceans salty?
A good question! When water erodes rocks on the continents, one of the classes of minerals which is subsequently carried by the rivers to the seas is salt. When that salty water evaporates (ultimately forming the rain clouds which send fresh water down to erode more continental rocks), it leaves it's salt behind. The balance of this process with those that remove salts from the oceans (like the subduction of salt adsorbed on sediment particles) determines the saltiness of the seas.
What does the surface salinity look like in Elliot Bay?
Here
is your answer!
How is dissolved organic carbon distributed in the oceans?
Depends.
Take a look for yourself!
What is the pH of ocean water near thermal vents?
The actual high temperature (~300 Celsius) venting fluid typically has a pH of 2.8-5.9 -- pretty acidic! The pH of the surrounding deep ocean water is about 8.1-8.3 -- slightly basic, and about the same pH as your blood...
Send your questions to us!
